Burma-Myanmar: 2 Burmese army officers killed in clashes with Kachin Independence Army (KIA) rebels in Putao
Two Burmese army lieutenants were killed and several injured in a rare bout of fighting with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) last week in Putao, Kachin, Burma’s northernmost state, according to local sources.
The two officers were killed in conflict that began on Wednesday, August 28 between Mali Hka river and Chyai Hka river in Machyangbaw Township, say the sources, who are members of a local church.
According to KIA officials in the Laiza headquarters, the clashes began after a troop of Burma Army soldiers and members of a local militia twice attacked a KIA post held by Battalion 7 near the new Nhka Ga village. The officials claim the Burma Army soldiers from Machyangbaw-based Infantry Battalion No. 137 joined forces with a group known as the Rebellion Resistance Force, led by Tanggu Dang.